Just ahead of the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, Land Rover unveiled its 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography, the brand’s most luxurious SUV ever. We had a chance to poke around the revised model and walked away wishing for a trust fund.
With the ultra premium SUV segment heating up, Land Rover is finding the upper limits for a high-riding travel. Bentley’s Bentayga, Rolls Royce’s upcoming Cullinan, Mercedes-Maybach’s anticipated model, and Lamborghini’s Urus won’t be stealing Land Rover’s well-earned spotlight anytime soon.
Based exclusively on the long wheelbase version of the standard Range Rover, the SVAutobiography is a dedicated effort from the automaker’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) unit. SVO is also responsible for high-performance (SVR) and highly capable (SVX) models.
Highlights of the updated model include power rear doors that close at the touch of a button, a rear seat refrigerator, and a fully digital cockpit. Rear seat passengers benefit from 3.9 feet of legroom, a seat recline of up to 40 degrees, a hot stone massage function, heated calf and foot rests, and 22-way adjustment. Though the Range Rover sits at a convenient height for loading and unloading, customers can also order a power veneered floor to make cargo access even easier.
Cabin technology takes a big leap, starting in the front. Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment has been pulled from the new Range Rover Velar. A pair of 10-inch touchscreens cut down on the clutter significantly while integrating all media, navigation, climate control, and other functions in an easy-to-use module. Like all Land Rovers, the SVAutobiography knows how to get dirty. Terrain Response adjusts suspension, braking, throttle, and more to accommodate specific driving conditions. Rear riders get their own 10-inch entertainment screen with 4G WiFi connectivity.
Exterior distinctions for the SVAutobiography include a special grill with chrome inserts, Bright Atlas finish, a unique rear bumper with integrated exhaust ports, and new 22-inch wheels. Inside, there’s a new Zenith clock inspired by the Elite 6150 watch embedded within the rear center console, new seats sheathed in Poltrona Frau leather, aluminum treadplates, two new veneers, and five new interior trims.
Under the hood is a familiar 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that now makes 557 horsepower (up 7hp from last year). Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the SVAutobiography blasts to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds (impressive considering its curb weight of over 5,600 pounds).
“The Range Rover SVAutobiography is the epitome of luxury, comfort and refinement,” remarked Gerry McGovern, Land Rover’s chief design pfficer. “Our standard-bearer for quality and precision exemplifies the attention to detail and sophistication that has been a hallmark of our most luxurious SUV stretching back almost 50 years.”
The 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography will be built at the SVO Technical Center in Warwickshire, United Kingdom. Prices start at $207,900 and delivers will commence in early 2018.
